A teddy bear inspires the Lady Vols

Many coaches use incentives to inspire their players. Maybe it's more playing time, a better locker, or fewer laps around the gym.

The Lady Vols are playing for a teddy bear. One so small it fits in the palm of your hand.

"The bear goes to the player who shows the most heart and the most passion," freshman guard Andraya Carter explained.

Carter came up with the idea last month after a shoulder injury sidelined her for the rest of the season.

"I'm injured, and I missed some practice time because of treatment, but I still want to be as involved as I can. I can't be on the court with them, but I'm still a part of the team."

After each game, she gives the bear to the player who shows the most passion.

"You're playing because you love them game. It's not a real award. It's not anything you get for scoring points, it's not a trophy you get for making all your shots. It's a small award that has more meaning."

But the meaning behind the bear isn't who is given to, but who it was named after.

"The bear's full name is Adam Jeremy Devin, and his last name is Daniel. They all represent four people who past away that I was close to: Adam Smith, Jeremy Nelson, Devin Durden, and Ryan Daniel.

"Buford where I'm from is like a huge family, so their passing away kind of affected everyone. To be in Tennessee and still keeping their memory alive meant a lot to me, and meant a lot to them."